Waimakariri District Council

Oxford-Ohoka Ward
The Waimakariri District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of 10 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). Two councillors will be elected from the Oxford-Ohoka ward. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Waimakariri District Council election.

Rates and revenue

The work of local government is funded mainly by property taxes in the local area, known as rates. This makes up around 60% of council expenditure, with the rest coming from user charges, investment income, regulatory fees and roading subsidies. Councils can also borrow money to spread the cost of large investments such as infrastructure over a longer period of time.

Rates and revenue

The work of local government is funded mainly by property taxes in the local area, known as rates. This makes up around 60% of council expenditure, with the rest coming from user charges, investment income, regulatory fees and roading subsidies. Councils can also borrow money to spread the cost of large investments such as infrastructure over a longer period of time.

  • Keep rates at or below the current rate of increase.

  • Continue to work hard to hold rates increases to the Consumer Price Index, and maintain the Waimakariri District Council's AA long term credit rating from Standard and Poor.

    Ensure development contributions offset the costs of new development infrastructure needs so as not to unfairly burden existing ratepayers.

    Continue to utilise in-house skills to minimise consultants' fees and reduce spending through best procurement practice.

  • Bring greater cost efficiencies to the council operation. To maximise the benefits gained from improving core services

    Ensure that rates are fair and equitable.

    Seek out areas within council operation that are over expensive, producing little, and to modify these areas.

  • Keep rates at or below the current rate of increase.

  • Continue to work hard to hold rates increases to the Consumer Price Index, and maintain the Waimakariri District Council's AA long term credit rating from Standard and Poor.

    Ensure development contributions offset the costs of new development infrastructure needs so as not to unfairly burden existing ratepayers.

    Continue to utilise in-house skills to minimise consultants' fees and reduce spending through best procurement practice.

  • Bring greater cost efficiencies to the council operation. To maximise the benefits gained from improving core services

    Ensure that rates are fair and equitable.

    Seek out areas within council operation that are over expensive, producing little, and to modify these areas.